Kwara State to Emerge as Africa's Innovation Hub, Says Commissioner
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Tourism in Kwara State, Damilola Adelodun, has expressed confidence in the state's potential to emerge as a global hub for high technology and innovation, akin to Silicon Valley in California, USA.
Adelodun highlighted the state's strategic investments in tech infrastructure and innovation hubs, which he believes will attract world-class companies and position Kwara as a leader in the tech ecosystem.
Silicon Valley, renowned as the headquarters for tech giants such as Apple Inc., HP Inc., eBay, and Netflix, serves as an inspiration for Kwara's vision to transform its economy through technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking about the activities of her ministry, Adelodun said, “In terms of legacy, one of the key projects I have been lucky to head is the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is more of a large ICT centre, which is arguably the biggest in West Africa. We also have a partnership with IHS Towers, and there is a fund of about N1bn earmarked for the running and for the programmes, training, as well as start-ups and venture capitals that would come here. We have a mandate to at least bring up two unicorns before the end of 2025.”
Reacting to critics who are of the opinion that the state is not a technology hub and should focus on other pressing issues, the young and beautiful government official said, “Interestingly enough, Kwara State has a big tech community. There are a lot of tech businesses started by Kwarans, including Kuda Bank. So, in terms of a tech hub, Kwara is it, and we want it to be the next Silicon Valley. If you think tech, we want you to think Kwara; not Lagos or Abuja. That is the vision for Ilorin Innovation Hub.”
Shedding more light on why the state recently hosted the Best of Nollywood Awards, the commissioner said, “The Sugar Film Factory, where the event was held, is under the purview of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology. People often forget that entertainment and culture have a business element to them. That was why we refurbished the rundown facility, which used to be a sugar factor. The studio is currently equipped for news, podcast and movie productions. We also have a training institute for youths, actors and filmmakers.
“In sponsoring and hosting BON, we looked at the benefit it could bring to the state, especially in terms of showcasing Kwara. I think it was very successful and we are looking forward to have more in the state.
“Many of the actors, filmmakers and creatives who attended the event loved what they saw, and many of them already have plans to do things in the state.”
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Elerinjare-Ibobo Chief Imam Of Ilorin TIIDELab Oloruntoyosi Thomas Yusuf Badmus Tafidan Kaiama Afolasade Opeyemi Kemi UITH Olatunde Jare Tunde Kazeem Peter Obi Waheed Ibrahim Sabi Eleja Taiwo Banu Tanke Flyover Bridge Theophilus Oyebiyi Ilorin West Cornelius Adebayo Akume Yusuf Arowosaye Yahya Mohammed Hamid Bobboyi Gani Saadu Aliyu U. Tilde Kanu Agabi Saadu Gbogbo Iwe Mohammed Kamaludeen Baaziki Sulaiman Abubakar Olusola Saraki Toyosi Thomas Olatomiwa Williams Alaro Sunday Fagbemi Abdulfatai Salman Baakini Bature Bello Adebayo Salami Offa Descendants Union Tunji Ajanaku Alapado Rafiu Ajakaye Razak Atunwa Ayobami Seriki Abubakar Lah Sulu Gambari Local Government Pension Board Fatimah Abdulkadir NIPOGA Bolaji Gambari Oyedepo Okin Malt David Adesina Kassim Babamale Waziri Yakubu Gobir Oke-Odo KwaraLearn Bolakale Kawu Agaka Adanla-Irese Senior Special Assistant On Student Affairs Abdulkadir Remi Hawawu Ariyo Facebook Amusa Bello Zulkifli Ibraheem Alabi Olayemi Abdulrazak Dorcas Afeniforo Ambassador Kayode Laro Ibrahim Issa Jetti Yusuf AbdulRasheed Nupe Mohammed Khadijat Kubura Markaz Arabic And Islamic Training Institute, Agege Femi Ogunsola Fatai Olodo Kola Ologbondiyan Salihu Jibril Garbi Taofik Abiodun Ahmed Khairat Gwadabe

